Multiple impression printing apparatus and method



Dec. 28, 1937. E. ERICKSSON MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS- AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet l v W kw NM 1 .1. MSQQQC m m MM QNWY.

0 Wm M i I Nb n lm N 7 U3 WWWN m 4 H 0 mm m Nm 1 e II I mwl O Dec. 28, 1937.. E. ERlCKS S ON 2,103,812

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 {pg I vucntom Dec. 28, 1937. E. ERICKSSON 2,103,8 2

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1952 l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 1937- E. ERICKSSON 2,103,812

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet \4 dump Dec.28, 1937. l EE ssoN 2,103,812

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 mum M Dec. 28, 1937. K5 2,103,812

MULTIPLE 'IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 28, 1937. ERICKSSON MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 E. ERICKSSON Filed-Sept. 22, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 28, 1937.

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Dec. 28, 1937. E. ERICKSSON 2,103,812

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Sept. 22, 1932 1O Sheets-Sheet 9 /////l///////IIII 3 wu c/wtom 1227/ 42mm E. IERICKSSON Dec. 28, 1937.

MULTIPLE IMPRESSION PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD l0 Sheets- Sheet 10 Filed Sept. 22, 1932 Gum/was Patented Dec. 28, 1937 PATE'l di ries mmEssioN rammed APPA- RATUS RIETHEQD Emil-Ericksson, snag ard Process Corporal; pcration of Delaware 0, m, Mignon to Standion, i'lhicago, lit, a cor- Application Septcmber 2a 1932, Serial No. 634,406

26 Claims.

My present invention relates to printing apparatus and method and more-particularly to a novel single or multiple impression printing press and printing method and web heating and drying 5 methods and means, and web roll supporting and web tensioning means.

In accordance with my invention one, or a number of impressions may be had on a surface to be printed upon, in accurate location on the surface and in perfect juxtaposition, the material, the surface of which has received the impression or impressions, being treated by my novel means in accordance with my novel method Therefore the primary object of my invention is the provision of novel methods and apparatus for printing on and treating a surface to produce accurately positioned impressions.

A further object of my invention is the provision of novel methods and apparatus for print ing on and treating a surface to produce accurately positioned impressions or impression continuously and to maintain the accurate positioning during the continuous production of the impressions or'impression.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel printing press incombinationwith web feeding and treating means wherebya web may receive accurately positioned impressions or impression.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel printing press having a plurality of printing means of my invention, in combination with interposed means for drying and treating the printed surface to permit successive superimposed printing on the same portion of the surface with all the impressions of the successive printings in exact and accurate coincidence or register.

A further object of my invention is to provide y invention lies in the the provisiongof a method of drying the. ink on a printed surface quickly and effectively by heating the inked surface and cooling it to crystallize the ink.

A still furth er object of my invention lies in the a novel printing. press having an impression on of a method of drying by projecting a A still further object of my invention lies in (or. ion-152) provision of a method of drying the ink on a printed surface by continuous projection of heated and cooled fluid onto the surface and immediate and continuous withdrawal of the heated and cooled fluid and fumes from the surface.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a novel printing press having animpression surface, and printing surfaces movable toward and from the impression surface collectively or individually.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a-novel printing press having an impression surface and printing surfaces the pressure of which may be altered on the impression surface and which may be moved toward andaway from the impression surface collectively or individually and when moved toward the impression surface will press'thereagainst with the desired selected pressure.

A still further object oi my invention is to provide a novel printing press having a plurality of movable printing cylinders which may be moved toward and away from an impression cylinder collectively or individually and means to supply ink to the printing cylinders when they are in contact or out of contact with the impression cylinder, whereby the ink may be maintained fresh and of the proper consistency.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a. novel printing press having an impression cylinder and printing cylinders for operative printing contact therewith spaced about said impression cylinder, one of the printing cylinders being movable bodily to expose said impression cylinder so that it may be conveniently resurfaced or removed bodily.

4 A still further object of my invention is to pro- ,vide a novel printing press having a freely rotatable impression cylinder and positively driven printing cylinders from which rotation is imparted to said impression cylinder to propel a web therebetween and means to initially start and accelerate said impression cylinder to pre-' vent tearing or distortion of the web.

A still further object of my invention is to pro-- vide a printing cylinder adapted to receive a. printing shell and means to apply and remove said shell with the printing cylinder in operative position in the prms.

A still further object of my. invention is toprovide a novel means for variably reciprocating a doctor blade whereby the doctor blade moves over difierent parts of the printing cylinder to avoid scoring.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a novel printing cylinder mandrel for retaining a printing shell firmly in position thereon without distortion by uniform expansion of the mandrel. 7

A still further object of my invention is to provide a novel web reel holder including web tensioning means, web guide and web reel handling means.

other objects of the invention will appear in the following disclosure of the preferred embodiments and preferred methods.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is aside-elevational view of a preferred embodiment of my invention illustrating the printing press in section and the web roll and final drying stand, in which the front part of the press is shown to the right of the drawing.

Figure 2 is a front viewof the embodiment of the web reel and drying stand of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view in elevation of the embodiment of the press shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a left side elevation therof.

Figure 5 is a right side elevationof the embodiment of the press shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 66 of Figure 4, illustrating in detail the novel mechanism for moving the printing rolls into and out of operative printing position collectively or individually.

Figure 7 is a large scale fragmentary view in section on line 77 of Figure 5 showing the printing cylinder registering mechanism.

Figures 8 and 9 are top plan and elevational views of a detail of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a detailed showing of certain of the parts of Figure 7 in elevation.

Figure 11 is a section upon line il-ll of Figure 1, showing the details of the novel printing cylinder mandrel of my invention.

Figure 12 is an end view of the mandrel of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view in right side elevation of the mechanism for initially starting the impression cylinder and accelerating it to the desired operating speeds.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the main driving means.

Figure 15 is a cross of the ink distributor.

Figures 16 and 17 are side and front views in elevation illustrating the ink supply means for a printing cylinder.

Figure 18 is a top plan View showing the arrangement of the ink and cleansing fluid supply reservoirs and the preferred mode of interconnecting them.

Figure 19 is a side elevation of the parts appearing in Figure 18, some of the conduits being omitted in the interest of clearness of illustration.

Figure 20 is a detailed showing of my novel means for collective reciprocation of the ink wiping means and illustrates also the printing cylinder support rods.

Figure 21 is a side-elevational view in detail of the mechanism appearing in the lower part of Figure 20, one half of the casing being removed to illustrate the mechanism.

Figure 22 is a front-elevational view in section on line 2222 of the mechanism of Figure 21.

Figures 23 and 24 are rear and side-elevational views of an embodiment of the novel drying means.

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the novel drying means illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings and for the present sectional view in elevation particularly to Figures 1 to 5, wherein are illustrated a preferred embodiment of a printing press, indicated generally by reference character H, which I will now describe and point out the operation thereof, along with web reel stand or paper holder i 2 to be described hereinafter somewhat more fully.

Press His provided with a normally idling impression cylinder l3 having a suitable impression surface it, preferably of a yielding substance such as rubber or the like. Spaced about the periphcry of impression cylinder 53' are mandrels or printing cylinder holders it, I8, 59 and it which receive readily removable, thin printing cylinders or shells 22, held firmly on mandrel It by a novel means'yet to be described. The shells 22, and the methods of forming and utilizing them, are fully disclosed and claimed in my copending applications Serial Numbers 418,916 and 525,267. It is of course obvious that if desired cylinders i6, i8,

i9, and 2! may themselves be provided with engraved or relief printing surfaces or may receive movable type if so desired, and this arrangement may be varied at will to produce successive superimposed impressions on the same area of printing surface from each of cylinders it, 38, I9 and 21 by any known printing or transfer means. Different colors or the same color may be printed by each of cylinders i5, l8, l9 and 2t if desired.

Web 23, which may be of any substance upon the surface of which it is desired to print, either paper or textile material, is passed from material rolls 24 or 26 through guide rolls 27-2? and over roller 28 under proper tension, regulated by tensioning means indicated generally by reference character 29 which is to be described. Web 23 prior to its entry between the printing couples formed by impression surface M and printing cylinders 22 is guided by pairs of adjustable tensioning rolls 30-38 and 3i-3l carried by adjusting means to be hereinafter described, and guide rolls 32, 33 and 36. Web 23 after passing between the final printing couple comprising cylinder 2| and impression surface H is guided over roll 35 after which it may pass back over the top of web roll stand l2 if desired for final treatment by the web dry'ng and treating means thereon and wound or otherwise conveniently taken care of by any desired means not shown which draws it under desired tension from press H through the final treating means. Guide rollers 32, 33 and 35 are supported for adjustment from an adjustable support to be described somewhat ln detail at a later point herein in connection with the detailed description of the web tensioning and feeding means.

I will now proceed with a detailed description of the mechanism of the preferred embodiment of the press with particular reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings.

General description of the press As bestshown on Figure 3 two frames 38 and 39 and an outside auxiliary frame 4| are positioned on a base or sole plate 42. Frames 38 and 39 are provided with four apertures 43 positioned so that when frames 38 and 39 are mounted on sole plate 42, the apertures are opposite each other. A corner of each one of apertures 43 is provided with a web it which is made in tegral with frames 38 and 39.

As illustrated on Figure 1, printing cylinder mandrels 66, l8, l9 and U are supported at spaced points about the periphery of impression cylinder it by a novel means shown to an en larged scale by Figure '7, whereby the surface of each printing cylinder 22 may be moved lndlvidly mounted on bosses-44 by means of stub shafts 58 and 59 in frame members 38 and 38 respectively. 'Bearing carrying frames 56 are made up of two parts 6| and 62 placed back to back and held together by suitable fastening or clamping means, for example, by bolts 63. Frames 51 are made up in a like manner of parts 68 and 66 held back to back by suitable clamping means. Parts 6| and 62 of swingable bearing frame58 and parts 64 and 66 of swingable frame 51 form bifurcated portions which fit over and contact with bosses 44 which together with shafts 58 and 59 form a pivot joint which, while permitting frames 56 and 51 to swing freely prevent twisting or lateral movement thereof, and thus prevent inaccuracies in the register of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2|. Frames56 are provided at their ends opposite pivot points 88 with apertured projections. 61 and 68 provided with apertures 69 for connection with a means about to be described, for moving printing cylinders 86, I8, I9 and 2| selectively or collectively into and out of contact with impression surface I 8 of impression cylinder I3. Frames 51 are provided with projections II and I2, apertured at 88 for a like purpose.

Arrangement for moving printing cylinders on and of!" impression Movement is imparted to frames 58 and 5t from shafts 13 (Figure 6) by means of links it connected thereto by pins 15 received in. apertures 69 of extensions 81 and 68, and extensions 1| and 12. It is to be understood that a shaft 13 is provided for each of the printing cylinders. Shafts 13 are rotatably' journaled in bosses16 and 11 of brackets 18 and '19 on main frame sion surface I4 in accordance with the directionand degree of rotation of shaft 13. Bearing caps 84 connected to link 14 by suitable fastening,

means, for example bolts 86, provide for disconnection of links 14 from eccentric 83 when desired. An eccentric 83 between bosses 16 and 1 1 a and brackets 88 and 3| is connected by links 14 in the manner just described in connection with frame 56 to impart movement simultaneously with the movement of frame 56 to frame 51 upon rotation of shaft 13 and eccentrics 33 so that frames 56 and 51 may move together.

Shafts 13 may be rotated simultaneously for collective movement of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2| into and out of contact with web 23 overlying impression surface I4 by manually ro- 3 tatlng hand wheel 89 which in turn rotates gears 9| and 92 connected to shafts 88 and 93 respectlvely by suitable means as pins. Hand wheel. 89 is connected to shaft 93 by suitable means as pin 96.

Shaft 93 is journaled for rotation in frame member 38 and is retained in position longitudinally by gear 92 and collar 91 which may be removably secured thereto by pin 98. Power driven means may also be provided for rotating shaft 88 which power means may comprise worm 98 and worm wheel 99. Worm 98 is journaled in a jacket I8I secured to frame member 38. A sleeve I83 provided witha suitable bushing of anti-friction material I84 is provided with pinion teeth I86 to mesh with the teeth of a large gear I86 secured to reduced portion I88 of shaft I89 by means of a pin III. Worm wheel 69 is keyed to sleeve I83 by suitable means for example key II2. Sleeve 183 is retained in position longitudinally on shaft 88 between boss II3 on frame member 38 and collar II4 which may be secured to shaft 88 by pin [I8. I

From the mechanism thus far described it will be seen that gear I86 may rotate shaft I89 frompower driven worm 88 through worm wheel 99, sleeve I83, and pinion I85.

If'manual operation by hand wheel 89'is desired, pin IiI may be inserted through sleeve I83 in shaft 88 so that upon rotation of hand wheel 89, shaft 88 and pinion I will be rotated through gears 9| and 82. In the case of manual operation, the power driven worm 98 will be discon nected from the worm wheel 39.

Keyed to shaft @88 or otherwise secured thereto for rotation therewith is a member II 8 provided with openings M8 and openings I2I of reduced diameter axially aligned with openings H9. A second set of openings 822 (Figure 4) are provided in member ltd and aligned therewith are openings I23 of reduced diameter on the side of member H8 opposite openings I2I. Links E26, I21, M8 and I28'operatively connect member H3 through a mechanism I38 to be described in detail associated with each of the shaft 13 for simultaneous rotation of shafts 13 and hence collective movement of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2| into and out of contact with impression surface I 4.

Links I26 and I28 are provided with anti-friction linings or bushings I3I to receive bolts I32 which provide a pivotal connection oflinks I26 and I28 to member I I8. Large diameter shanks I33 of bolts I32 are received, in apertures H9 in member 8. Shank portions I34 of smaller diameter are received in apertures I2I so that nuts I36 may. serve to clamp the ends of shank I33 against the bottoms of apertures II9 leaving the links free for movement between member II8 and the heads of bolts I32. Links I21 and I29 are connected in a similar manner to member I I8 by means of bolts I32 threaded in aligned apertures I22 and I23.

It is to be understood that each of links I26, I21, I28 and I29 are connected to each of the several shafts 13 through a separate mechanism I38. However, for the sake of more conveniently disclosing my invention, I will describe the connection of link I28 to connecting and adjusting mechanism I38 for printing cylinder I6 illustrated on Figure 6.

Link I26, which operatively connects member I I8 to mechanism I38 for simultaneous movement of shaft 13 will be selected as an example for the ing printing cylinder I6 into and out of operative contact with'web 23 overlying impression surface purpose of fully describing the means for mov- 1 I4. It will be understood that links I21, I28 and I29 function simultaneously with link I26 to simultaneously operate printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2i.

Link I26 at the end opposite its connection to member II8 just described is connected by bolt I38 in aligned apertures MI and I42. Member I43 is journaled over portion I44 of shaft 13 extending beyond bracket 18. A nut I46 serves to draw the enlarged shank of bolt I 38 against the bottom of aperture I in the manner previously described in connection with the joining of link I26 to member II8. Shaft I41 is journaled in bearing aperture of yokes I 48 and I 49. Worm II is keyed to shaft I41 by means of key I52. A collar I53 is provided outside of yoke I48 on shaft I41. Worm I5I is firmly positioned between arms I48 and I49 so that end play is prevented. Worm I5I is free to be rotated by shaft I41. Shaft I41 may be manually operated by any suitable means as for example key or wrench inserted in bore I54 (Figure 4). Worm teeth I56 are provided on worm wheel and clutch member I51 which mesh with worm ISI. Recess I58 of worm wheel I51 is received over a cylindrical projection I59 of member I43. Body member or hub I6I of hand wheel I62 is provided with a recess I63 which receives cylindrical projection I64 of worm wheel I51. Hub I6I of hand wheel I62 is secured to shaft I44 by means of key I68 so that shaft I44 is constrained to rotate with hub Hand wheel body IN is provided with a bore I69 extending through a cylindrical recess III. Clutch pin I12 is inserted in bore I69. Portion I13 of large diameter of clutch pin I12 is received and fits within recess I1I in hub body I 3|. Clutch pin I 69 extends beyond hub body I6I to receive hub I16 of wrench or key I11. Hub I16.is secured to pin I69 by means of a dowel pin I18. The large cylindrical portion I13 of pin I69 fits m'thin arcuate notch I8I in the periphery of cylindrical projection I64 of worm wheel I51, so that rotational movement of Worm wheel I51 is transmitted to hub body IBI and shaft I44.

Cylindrical portion I13 of clutch pin I12 is provided with a notch I83 extending from its end rearwardly of a width equal toor slightly greater than the width of cylindrical projection I64. Pin I13 may be rotated by means bf key or wrench I11 to position notch I83 so that cylindrical portion I64 of worm I51 may rotate freely within recess I 63 of hub I6I.

The mechanism of Figure 6 just described operates in the following manner to move printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2I into and out of contact with web 23 individually or collectively and to change the pressure of any one of the printing cylinders on web 23 independently.

Assuming that the printing cylinders are out of contact with web 23 and it is desired to simultaneously move all of the printing cylinders into operative printing contact with web 23, hand wheel 891s rotated which imparts rotation to shaft I99. If desired, power means described above comprising worm 98 and worm wheel 99 may be used to impart rotation to shaft I89. Rotation of member -II8 with shaft I09 imparts equal increments of rotational movement to members I43, one of which is associated with each of shafts 13.

It will be seen that links I26, I21, I28 and I29 form a toggle with the radius of member Il-8 passing through the center of their respective connecting bolts 132, so that when printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2| are in contact with web 23, small rotational movements of member II8 will not materially affect the contact pressure of any one of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2I with web 23, so that impressions of constant intensity may be had on web 23, a feature which is of very great advantage. The toggle action of the levers also increases the pressure of the cylinders as the toggles approach their set position. Rotation of member I43 by its associated links causes rotation of recessed worm wheel I51 by reason of engagement with helical worm I5I with the worm teeth I56.

Assuming portion I13 of pin I12 to be engaged in notch I8I in the periphery of projection I64, it will be seen that hand wheel hub IGI will impart rotation to shaft I44 and eccentric portions 83, which will in turn impart swinging move ments to the frames 56 and 51 carrying printing cylinder shaft 48.

Should it be desired to vary the pressure on web 23 of any one of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2|, independently of the other, for example, printing cylinder I6, worm I5I may be turned by means of a wrench in bore I54 to rotate worm wheel I51 while member I43 is stationary. This movement of worm wheel I51 is imparted to eccentric means 83 through cylindrical clutch member I 13, engaged in notch I8I, hub I6I and key I68 to shaft I44.

Should it be desired at any time, any one of the printing cylinders, for example printing cylinder I8,'may be rapidly thrown into or out of operative contact with web 23 by rotating clutch member I13 by means of key I11 until notch I33 is positioned to clear the periphery of cylindrical projection I64, so that hand wheel I62 may be used to rotate shaft I44 free of member 143 which is retained in a stationary position by means of its associated link.

Registering mechanism When printing from any one of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9, and M the impression therefrom may be positioned on a predetermined part of the area of the surface to be printed upon by the novel mechanism about to be described. It is essential when printing from two or more of the cylinders that the impressions from the cylinders be perfectly superimposed and accurately arranged, or in other words be in accurate and perfect register. In the novel press of my invention this accurate and perfect register may be obtained initially with the machine at rest or at full operating speed and may thereafter be adjusted during operation of the press at full operating speed.

I will now describe in detail mynovel means for procuring perfect positioning of any of the printed impressions from any one of printing cylinders I6, I8, I9, and ZI of perfect register of impressions from any two or more cylinders printing in succession on a common area of the Printing cylinders l0, l8, l and 2| advance material 23 which is to receive an impression or impressions therefrom in a novel manner andotherwise secured to sleeve 192 which rotates on hearing bushing or sleeve I93 on shaft 59 between arms 51 and brackets I81. Suitable means 094 provide for a supply of lubricant to the bearing surfaces on shaft 50. The several printing cylinder drive gears l9l mesh with and are driven by gear i95 which is keyed by suitable means, as key H6, or otherwise associated in driving relationship with hollow shaft I91 (Figure 13) which hollow shaft is supported at one end in bearing I08 in main frame member 39, and at the other ,end by a mechanism i09 including brake drum for a purpose to be described.

7 Gear I95 is driven from main drive pulley 202 and pinion 203 which are keyed or otherwise rotatably secured on main drive shaft 204. Bevel pinion 205 on one end of shaft 200 provides means for driving the mechanism to be described for imparting variable reciprocation to the doctor blades. A hand wheel 206 (Figure 3) is keyed orotherwise secured to main drive shaft 204 so that the mechanism of press I i may be manually moved for the purpose of threading web 23 under the printing cylinder or to move the printing cylinder or web 23 for any purpose for example when making any of the adjustments, provision for which is described herein. Intermediate cylinder drive gears 19! just described are in mesh with and impart rotation to printing cylinder drive gears 201, one of which is associated with each printing cylinder l6, l0, l0 and 2|.

It will be understood that a separate gear l9l and 201 drives each one of the printing cylinders whatever their number may be. However, for the sake of clearness of description I will describe the mechanism associated with shaft 40 and printing cylinder 2|, details of which are illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings.

1 Gear 201 is keyed by means of key 208 or otherwise suitably secured to sleeve 200 which is provided with arcuate notch 2H for driving engagement with clutch pin 212. Pin 2l2 is seated in aperture 213 in hub member 2 of handwheel 2IG, secured to hub I24 by suitable means as for example bolts 2l1. Clutch pin 2E2 extends into radial aperture 2l8 in sleeve 219. Shaft 48 is provided with a recess 22f and slot 222. An

elongated centrally located bore 223 is provided in shaft 40.

Key 224 is seated within recess 48 for longitudinal reciprocation therein. A projection 226 of key 224 projects through slot or aperture 222, and is received within notch or aperture 221 formed in end 228 of reciprocable rod 220. Key 224 is provided with a spline 238 (Figure 8) of relativelylong pitch received in a helical slot 2320f like pitch in the circumferential wall of sleeve 210.

From the parts thus far described, it will be seen that as key 224 is reciprocated in recess 226 by a means to be described, the angular relationship of gear 201 and shaft 40 will be altered Undesired movements of sleeve 210 on shaft 483 are prevented by collar 234 secured to shaft 08 by suitable means, for example key 230, beyond the point 231 of slight reduction in the diameter of shaft 40. Collar 234 may, if desired, "abut inner bearing sleeve 238 which in turn abuts shoulder 239 at the point of reduction in diameter of the shaft 48 thus aiding in preventing longiments of hand wheel hub 2% along shaft 22| of shaft tudinal movement of sleeves 200 and 210 on shaft 48.

Inner bearing sleeves 238 located on the portions of the shaft 40 within frame members 56 and 51 are of a length greater than that of bearings 04 and thus permit longitudinal movement of shaft 40 for the purpose of obtaining accuratepositioning of impressions from printing cylinders l6, l0,

l0 and 2! laterally of web 23 under control of the adjusting means to be described which may be operated under full speed operating conditions of press ii. Bearings 02 and outer bearing sleeve 28! are retained by cover members 242 secured to frame members 64 and 06 by suitable fastening means as for example screws 243. Hand wheel hub body 2%, connected for rotation with sleeve M9 by means of pins 200 Set screw 241 in hand wheel body 2M frictionally engages groove 260 of clutch pin 2fl2 to hold clutch pin M2 in position with its shank engaged in ar'cuate notch 2H of sleeve whereby gear 201 'may drive shaft 48, or with notch 2i5 positioned to the left whereby sleeve 200 is free to rotate without imparting rotational movement' associated hand wheel 062 or the printing cylinders may be raised collectively by means of hand wheel 89 without interruption of rotational drive from intermediate gears 10H with clutch M2 in position to engage in arcuate notch 21! in sleeve 209.

By maintaining rotation of the printing cylinders while in their inoperative position, the ink is continuously fresh'ened and maintained at uniform consistency so that the printing cylinders may be moved into operative printing position and print immediately with a supply of fresh ink.

Should it be desired to operate the press with less than the total number of printing cylinders clutch pin M2 on those which are idle may be turned so that sleeve 200 may pass freely within groove 2l5 so that the idle printing roll or rolls are stopped.

The printed impression received on web 23 from any one of the cylinders may be located 9.0-- curately in a desired position on web 23 by my novel adjusting means about'to be described. I have provided novel means whereby the printing prevents axial movecylinders may be moved axially at full operating speeds. Bore 2% of swingable bracket member 081 is provided with threads 252 which engage threaded portion 2% of barrel or sleeve 254. Barrel 250 may be manually rotated by hand, wheel 255' for axial movement in bore 2 by engagement of threads 25:0 and 252. Periphery 25% of hand wheel 255 is provided with graduations, the interval between the graduations corresponding to definite distances measured axially of impression surface i0 and hence transversely of web 20. The graduations may, ifdeslred, corlongitudinally in recess shaft 48 by suitable means for example set screws 254 which permit collar 253 to be axially adjusted prior to the insertion of set screws 23$. Stationary thrust bearing ring 266 engages an annular projection 261 of threaded barrel 25 1.

Corresponding stationary thrust bearing ring 268 engages a threaded cover or cap 259 the threads of which are in engagement with threads on the'interior barrel 25d.

Suitable anti-friction bearings, for example, balls 21% transmit end thrust of thrust bearing ring 256 to stationary thrust bearing rings 266 and 268. Undesired end play of thrust bearing rings 265, 253 and 258 may be removed by adjustment of threaded cover 265 which may be secured afteradjustment by set screws 214.

From the mechanism thus far described it will be seen that as hand wheel 255 is manipulated to move threaded barrel 254 in the desired direction, shaft it will be moved axially by means of thrust bearing ring 256 and stationary thrust bearing ring 255 or 268 depending upon the direction of movement for the adjustment desired. Any observed transverse variations on web 23 of the printed impressions from any one of printing cylinders 56, I8, I9 or 2i may be corrected. by manipulation of hand wheel 255 associated with the printing cylinder to be adjusted. This may be done at any operating speed or before initial starting of the press. The graduations on handwheel 255 facilitate the setting of the printing cylinder to the desired point when out of register. The printed web is measured to determine how much each cylinder is out of register and the hand wheel for that printing cylinder is turned through the number of graduations corresponding to the distance measured on web 23.

As described hereinbefore tail piece 226 of key 224 may be adjusted longitudinally in recess 226 on shaft $8 for the purpose of changing the angular position of gear 2M with respect to shaft 43 so that inaccuracies in location longitudinally of web 23 of the printed impression'irom the printing cylinder may be corrected and perfect register restored at any speed of the press or with the press at rest. Key 224 may be adjusted 22I at any time by manipulation of hand wheel 217 formed on barrel 2T3. Periphery 211a 'of hand wheel 21'! is also provided with graduations, the interval between the graduations corresponding to definite distances measured longitudinally of web 23. The graduations may, if desired, correspond to thousandths of an inch as measured on web 23. Barrel 254 is provided with an interiorly threaded portion 219 which receives thread 28I on barrel 218. Barrel 278 is rotated by hand wheel 2' to be moved longitudinally with respect to barrel 25. Key 226 and shaft 220, previously described, are moved longitudinally in bore 223 by means of thrust bearing assemblies 283 positioned in barrel 278. I

As hand wheel 21! is rotated in either direction barrel 218 will be moved longitudinally with respect to the barrel 254 on threaded connection 23!. Thrust bearing assembly 233 will impart the Iongitudinal movements of barrel 218 to rotatable rod 229.

Thrust bearing assembly 283 comprises rotatable bearing rings 28% and stationary bearing members 286 and 281 between which are inter posed suitable anti-friction bearings, for example balls 288. Bearing members are retained on rod 229 by suitable means, for example, cap screw 289 and annular member 2%.

Thrust bearing assembly 283 is positioned between shoulder 232 and cover plate 233. Cover plate 293 is retained in position by suitable fastening means, for example, cap-screw 29d. To prevent undesired twisting of rod 230, key 296 may be employed to connect end 262 of shaft 43 to rod 229.

Key 296 engages in a flanged web or groove in the end of shaft 48 within collar 263. Suitable means 299 provides for a supply of lubricant to the parts. Lever 3M and clamping bolt 302 may be employed to clamp barrels 254 and 218 in fixed relationship. Links 303 and 304' provide for differences in position of hand wheel 21'! and barrel 254.

1' will now describe the operation of the mechanism including the drives of the several printing cylinders and the register mechanism just described in connection with Figure 5.

Power is applied to main drive shaft 234 (Figure l4) and is transmitted by means of gear I95 to the several intermediate printing cylinder drivegears IQI. Each of printing cylinder drive shafts, 49, 5i and 52 are mounted in swingablebearing frames 56, 51 and swingable brackets E81. It will be seen that as gears ISI and bearing frames 56 and 51 have a common center, driving force will be applied from intermediate printing cylinder drive gears I! to printing cylinder drive gears 20? regardless of the angular position of swinging frames 56 and 51, within the limits of their movement. Rotation is thus imparted to printing cylinder shafts 68, 49, 5| and 52 with printing cylinders I6, I8, I9 and 2t either in or out of printing contact with web 23.

Ink which may be conveniently supplied from the inking means which are disclosed and claimed in my copending application Serial Number 623,- 421 filed July 19, 1932 to be described hereinafter thus is continuously supplied to the printing cylinders I 6, I8, I 9 and 2i both when the several printing cylinders are-in operative printing contact with web 23 and also when they are raised out of contact therewith.

Should it be observed at eration of the press II sion received on web 23 from any one of the several printing cylinders is out of register laterally with respect to web 23 it may be corrected by manipulation of the hand wheel 21! corresponding to the cylinder to be adjusted.

Manipulation of hand wheel 255 moves barrel 254 laterally in the desired direction in bracket I87. Associated printing cylinder shafts 48, 49, SI and 52 move laterally with barrels 254 by reason of thrust bearing connections 255. The graduations on periphery 255a of hand wheel 255 facilitates accurate setting as has been described.

Should it be observed that the printed impression obtained from any one of printing cylinders I6, I8, l9 and 2i is out of its desired position longitudinally of web 23 or that several impressions on web 23 from several printing cylinders are not in exact register or coincidence, accurate and perfect register may be restored under full speed operating conditions of the press by manipulation of hand wheel 21?.

Manipulation of hand wheel 2'" moves key 226! longitudinally of shaft 48. Helical flange 23I in engagement with helical flange web 232 advances over shaft 48 angularly with respect to gear 201 until perfect positioning of the impression reany time during opceived on web 23 from the printing cylinder associated with the particular hand wheel 277 is obthat the printed imprestained. The graduations on periphery 21111 of hand wheel 2'" facilitate accurate setting as describedabove.

It is to be understood that each of printing cylinder shafts 48, 43, 5! and 52 is provided with mechanism including hand wheels 255 and 211, the mechanism associated with shaft 38 being selected as an example of any one of the several printing cylinders.

If it is desired at any time to stop rotation of i thereof. The printing cylindersnot in use may remain stationary. Removal and replacement of the printing shells As hereinbefore described mandrels or cylinders l6 18, I9 and 2| may receive movable printing cylinders or shells 22 from'which a printed impression or image is made on web 23. To facilitate ready removal or replacement of printing cylinders or shells 22, bearings 53 of shafts 48, 49, Si and 52 are carried between retractible jaw members 30! in frame member 56.

Retractible jaw members 301 are moved inwardly and outwardly by ring 303 provided with gear teeth 309 on its outer periphery. Volute grooves and teeth 3 interengage with similar grooves and teeth 3l2 on each of jaw members Pinion 3l3 on hand crank shaft 3 may be rotated by means of hand crank 3; to impart rotation to ring member 308 for the purpose of moving jaws 30'! toward or from bearing 53.

Bearing shell or ring 3l8'carries stationaryanti-friction bearing member or race 24! and is provided with a groove 3l9 about its circumference. Jaw 3ll'I-when moved toward bearings 53 by means of hand crank 3|3 engages in grooves 3|9 to form a support forv the ends of printing cylinder shafts 48, 49, 5i and 52. v

-Wlth jaws 301 in their retracted position a free space 32f is provided between rings 3l'8 and swinging frame 53, through which printing cylinders orshells 22 may be passed over ring 3| 8 for removal or replacement on printing mandrels l6, l3, I9 and 2|; It will thus be seen that I have'provided novel and effective means for applying a shell over a mandrel without removing it from its operative position or disturbing its adjustment or relationship to other parts.

Cover members 322 or 323 retain stationary bearing members 234 of anti-friction bearings 53 in position. Suitable fastening means as for example screws 323 retain covers 322 and 323 in position on ring 3 l3.

The'mrmdrels or main printing cylinders Printing cylinder mandrels l6, l3, ill and M illustrated in detail by Figure 11 are provided with novel hydraulic expanding means for retaining printing shells 22 securely in position thereon. The'hydraulic method of retaining shells 22 in position can be utilized in forming a printing shell or cylinder by electric deposition merely by first expanding the outer periphery of the mandrel by the novel hydraulic means about to be described and'making the deposition on a barrier layer and thereafter contracting the mandrel to remove the shell bodily as a unit.

This will be clear by reference to my above mentioned copending applications.

Reference may now be had to Figure 11 which shows in detail the printing cylinder holder or mandrel-to an enlarged scale. I have selected printing cylinder mandrel l5 for the purpose of detailed description shown to the left of Figure 5, which is carried by shaft 43 in the manner i1- lustrated in detail by Figure'l.

External shell 323 is supported on shaft 48 by cylindrical walls 329 over which it may be pressed with a forced fit or otherwise suitably applied so that it will be held firmly'in position. An outer expansible shell or cover 33! adapted to be expanded or' enlarged by pressure applied to a fluid confined between it and cylinderor shell 328 surrounds cylinder 328. Expansible shell 33i may be of any suitable material. I have found that bronze, preferably centrifugally cast bronze, expands uniformly under the action of fluid pressure on its inner periphery. A helical groove 332 cut or otherwise formed in the surface or shell 328 permits fluid under pressure to be evenly distributed between shell 328 and outer expansible shell 33L It is to be understood that the fluid will not necessarily be confined to helical groove 332, but as outer shell 33| increases in diameter under the influence of applied fluid pressure, said fluid will lie between and fill every part of the space createdby uniform expansion radially-of shell 33!.

Printing cylinders 22- will be held firmly in position without distortion from their desired form by the uniform-expansion of outer mandrel shell 7 if desired their outline in cross-section may be substantially that illustrated on the drawings. It will be seen that a metallic seal of the illustrated cross-section provides efiective sealing contact over a relatively large area at and adjacent the ends of cylinders 328 and expansible cylincler 33!. I

e To prepare the outer surface of cylinder 328 to receive expansible cylinder 33f, I prefer to apply a coating of metal preferably copper, which may be done by electrodeposition to the outer surface of cylinder 328. The coating of metal on cylinder 32%;, while not essential is an aid to the uniform distribution of fluid underpressurc between cylinder 323 and expansible shell 33H. If desired, the inner surface of rings 333 may be op plied with a metallic coating which may be of copper applied by electrodeposition for the purpose of securing an intimate sealing contact in the form of copper seal 326. The copper seal 326 at the ends of the mandrel provides an eiiective fluid seal which will not leak under any range of fluid pressures-necessary or desirable to expand cylinder33 l.

Any desired means maybe employed to introduce fluid under pressure between cylinders 323 and expansible shell 33!.

43. Cylinder 33? is retained in position in bore 338 by engagement of threads 339 with threaded portion 3 of bore 338. Piston 333 is advanced along cylinder 331 to compress the fluid therein by means of a rod 3412 provided with threads 343 engaging in threaded portion 344% of rotatable member 3&6.

Rotatable member 343 fits within enlarged portion 341 of bore 333. End thrust of piston 333 on rotatable member 356 is taken up by a thrust bearing which may comprise rings 329 and 355 having suitable anti-friction bearings for example balls 352 to take the thrust. of ring 3&9 relative to ring 35!, permitting the rotatable member to be readily turned by means of a wrench or other suitable tool inserted in aperture or socket 353.

Sockets 333 may be square in cross-section so as to receive the squared end of a suitable tool or hand crank.

Rotatable member 323 is retained in bore 331 by means of cover member 352, provided with threads to engage threads 3556 in the end of shaft 28. Inner surface 351 of cover members 352 cooperates with stationary thrust bearing rings 35l to retain member 346 in bore 341. Suitable means, for example set screws 358, secure member 353 against accidentaldisconnection from shaft 48. Notches or other suitable means 3553 provide for turning member 353 into bore 3%.

Piston 333 is provided with an expansible packing 362 adapted to expand against the walls of cylinder 331 as piston 333 is advanced to place the fluid in cylinder 33? under compression. Packing 362 isprotected by a cup-like shield 363 which permits packing 362 to be pressed intis mately into contact with. the wall of cylinder 331 but prevents undue distortion. Packing 332 and shield 363 are held in position by ring. 363

and nutsfiid and 361 on threaded stern 368.

Leakage of fluid past packing 362 is taken care of by groove 339 and channels 32!. Channel 3H provides for escape of any of the fluid which may find its way to bore 3%, and so interfere with the movement of stem 322.

Cylinder 33l is provided in its outer Wall with circumferential groove 3'12 and is reduced at its end portion to provide a circumferential space-313 which is in communication with each other and the interior of cylinder 331 by means of longitudinal channel or groove 314. Passage 316 in shaft 48 communicates with passage 314 at a point within the boundary of space 313. Passage 316 is threaded to receive a suitable conduit connection for a purpose to be described.

A-passage 313' in shaft 48 communicates with annular groove 312 and passage 314. Opening 311 is provided with suitable threads to receive a threaded plug or other suitable sealing means. It is obvious that if desired a pressure gauge may be connected to passage 311: Passage 318 in cylinder 328 communicates with helical groove 332.

Passage 318 is provided with threads 313 to re= ceive threaded nipple or fitting 33!. A bore or passage 332 in valve body or fitting 333 is provided with threads 38! for engagement with the other threaded end. of nipple 38 i. Threads 383 are provided at the external end of passage 381 of valve body 383 for the purpose of receiving conduit 338 composed of suitable fittings. Conduit 383 at its end opposite threaded opening 386 is connected to threaded bore 316 in shaft 48. Passages 337 and 332 are in communication with each other through passage 389provided with conical valve seat 39L cylinder 331 situated within bores 338 of shaft A chamber or opening 393 is provided in valve body 383. Threads 394 are provided upon the inner wall of valve body 383 at the end of cham her 333. Externally threaded bushings 396 fit within the outer portion of chamber 393 in threaded engagement with threads 394. Externally threaded valve body 391 engages threads on the interior'wall of bushing 333 so that it may be adjusted longitudinally of bushing 393.

Valve stem 398 fits within bore 339 and cooperates with valve seat 33L Suitable packing 399 is provided about valve stem 398 and is compressed by glanddiil abutting threaded portions 398. Valve 3915 may be Pressure gauge 893 may if desired be connectedin threaded passage 434 in communication with helical groove 332. Valve body 333 and fluid connecting conduit 388 are housed within a. chamber 406 formed by the portion of cylinder 323 extending beyond wall 329. Chamber 493 is provided with a cover 291 retained in position by suitable fastening means as for example bolts 698, threaded into tapped holes 409 in wall 329. Packing M 1 preferably of leather seals chamber 433 at the joints between cover 491 and cylinder 328 and shaft 43. A gland 412 surrounding shaft 48 compresses central packing fil l. Access to valve 391 is had through threaded aperture 3 closed by cover 454.-

With cover M4 removed a suitable tool may be inserted in aperture M3 to turn valve 39?.

With the mandrel just described in operative position on a printing press any desired or selected printing cylinder may he slipped over shell 336 and held firmly thereon by turning rotatable member 346 with a suitable tool inserted in socket 353. Fluid contained, in cylinder 33? connecting conduit 388 and helical groove 332 is placed under pressure to expand cylinder 33f into intimate contact with the printing cylinder shell. After desired pressure has been placed on the confined fluid, valve 391 may be closed against valve seat 39l to retain the printing cylinder in position firmly for as long as. may be desired. The effect of any leakage in the fluid conduit connections and in the piston and cylinder is eliminated.

As hereinbefore described impression cylinder l3 rotates freely during normal printing opera- Mechanism for initially starting the impression drum 1 will now describe in detail the means for initially starting and accelerating impression cylincler l3 to the desired operating speed. Printing cylinder i3 is supported by hub M1 on shaft 8. If desired the outer drum of printing cylinder 13 may be connected to hub ill by spokes M9 to 7g achieve a light, but rigid and strong structure. Shaft H8 is provided with enlarged portions 420 over which hub 4 I1 is forced into position on shaft 4I8 against shoulder 42! which extends through cap or cover member 428, secured to frame member 38 by suitable connecting means, for example bolts 429 (Figure 4). Members 426 are retained on the ends of shaft 8 by member 43! secured thereto by suitable fastening means, for example bolts 432. A cover memberor ring 433 cooperates with member 43! and is secured to bearing housing 421 by suitable connecting means for example bolts 434. Packing 436 prevents escape or leakage of the lubricant supplied to bearing 423. Covering member 431, retained in position by suitable means as for example bolts 438 in frame member 38 and cap 43! covers and protects bearing 423.

Frame member 39 is also provided with a combined radial and thrust anti-friction bearing to receive the opposite end of shaft 4I3. Bearing housing 439 is mounted on frame member 39 under cover or cap member 44! which is secured to frame 39 by suitable means 429. A ring 442 secured to bearing housing 439 by suitable means 443 holds packing 444 against shaft M8 to prevent leakage and escape of lubricant. Ring 446 surrounds bearing housing 439 andring 442 and is secured to frame member 39 and shaft member 44! by suitable means 441.

A dog clutch member or ring 449 is secured to the end of shaft 4!!! by suitable means 45!. As

previously described gear E95 is driven from main drive pulley 202 and pinion 203 on main drive shaft 204, as illustrated on an enlarged scale by Figure 14. Gear I95 is keyed or otherwise associated in driving relationship with shaft I91 which is supported in one end by bearing I98 and frame member 39, at the other end by mechanism I99, about to be described in detail.

Anti-friction bearing I98 is protected by cover member 452 secured to frame member 39 and cap 44! by suitable means 453. Cover member 452 contains packing 454.

Hollow shaft I91 at its end opposite bearing I98 is provided with a bearing ring member 456 rotatably secured thereto by key 451'. Hollow shaft I91 is rotatably supported through bearing ring 456 and anti-friction bearing 458 on member 459.' Member 459 is rotatably supported by anti-friction bearing 46! which is mounted on frame member 4! and held thereon by bearing cap 462 secured to frame member 4| by suitable means 463 (Figure 5). Impression cylinder drive shaft 464 is received at one end within member 459. Suitable means, for example keys 466, in keyways 461 of member'459 and shaft 464 connect shaft 464 rotatively with member 459. Shaft 464 is provided at its ends with splines 463 in engagementwith grooves 469 in clutch rings 449 for the purpose of driving impression cylinder I3 when desired through mechanism I99. A

clutch comprising splines 468 and member 449 provides a flexible driving connection which permits cylinder shaft M8 to be free from distorting stresses which might otherwise be transmitted from main driving gear I95 and eliminates a possible source of inaccuracy in the location of impressions received on web 23 from' the printing cylinders.

Hub 41! of bevel gear 412 is secured to member 459 by suitable means, for example set screws 413. A shoulder 414 on member 459 rotates hubv 413 thereon. A second bevel gear 416 is mounted on shaft I91 and is secured against the hub of gear- I95 forrotation therewith by means of set screw 411. Bevel pinion 418 is in mesh with bevel gear "land 416. Bevel pinion shaft 419 is carried in hub 48! and an aperture in rim 462 of brake drum 20!. I Pinion shaft 419 is retained in position by suitable means, for example set screw 484. Brake drum 20! is rotatably journaled on hollow shaft I91 by means of bearing bushings 486. Suitable .means 481 provide for a supply of lubricant to bearing bushings 486.

When desired brake drum 20! is restrained from rotation by brake band 488. Brake band 488 is adjusted by means of bolts 489 (Figure 5) and' nuts 49! cooperating. with ears 492. The ends of brake band 488 are connected to pins 493 in levers 494. Levers 494 are carried on frame member 4! by bolts 496. Arms 495 of levers 494 are connected by toggle links 491 so that they may be spread apart to tighten brake band 488 on brake drum 20!. Arm 498 of toggle lever 491 may be connected to any suitable operating device or may be provided with a handle for manual operation.

I have disclosed by way of example. a solenoid magnet 499, core 50! of which is operatively con.- nected .by link 502 to lever 498. Pins 593 in frame member 4i serve as stops for levers 494. Impression cylinder I3 may be caused to rotate by drawing plunger 50! of solenoid 499 upwardly. Toggle ears 496 and 491 spread levers 495 which contact brake levers 488 by movement of levers .494 toward each other.

Rotation of brake drum 20! is thus prevented and bevel pinion shaft 419 remains stationary. Rotation is then imparted to impress cylinder I3 from gear I95 through bevel gear 416, bevel pinion 419, bevel gear 412and shaft 464.

With brake drum 20! free to rotate, differences in rotational speed between gear I95 and impression cylinder I3 are permitted by rotation of brake drum 20! at some intermediate speed. If, for example, impression cylinder I3 is stationary, brake drum 20! will rotate at the speed of main drive gear I95 due to planetary actionof gear 418.

Main drive shaft 204 carrying pulley 202 and drive pinion 203 is journaled in framermembers 39 and 4! on anti-friction bearings 506. Bearing 506 in frame member39 is supported in cup 501 Access to impression drum As described hereinbefore impression cylinder I3 is provided with a suitable impression surface !4 preferably having a yielding surface such as rubber, which may at times need. resurfacing because of damage or natural wear.

I have provided a novel arrangement whereby impression cylinder I3 may be readih made accessible for repair toits surface i 4 or for removal bodily if necessary.

Sections 52i and 522 Figures 4 and 5) of main 5 frame members 38 and 39 respectively are hinged thereto by means of hinge pins 523. As previously described 186 is a detachable portion of frame 4|. Cables 524 are connected to movable frame sections SH and 522 and wound on drum 10 526 Within frame members 38 and 39 to which they pass through apertures 521 in frame members 38 and 39 respectively. Guide pulleys or sheaves 529 are elevated above frame members 38 and 39 on upstanding brackets 53l resting on 15 filler blocks 532. Guide pulleys 533 within frame members 38 and 39 guide cables 524 from elevated sheaves 529 to winding drums or winches 526. Winding drums 526 are secured to shaft 534 which may be rotated by worm 536 through worm 20 wheel 531 and gears 538 and 539 Gear 539 is secured to shaft 534 by suitable means for imparting rotation thereto. Worm shaft 5 is provided with a squared end or other suitable means for engagement with a wrench or crank. Should it 23 be desired at any time to have access to impression cylinder l5, it is only necessary to raise movable frame sections 52l and 522 to the position shown on Figure 5 of the drawings by means of winch 526. For this purpose, the link 129 is 30 detached by removal of the bolt I38 securing it in place. It will be seen that substantially aquarter section of the entire press including printing cylinder 2| andv its supporting frame 56 and 51 and intermediate driving gear |9l is movable 35 away from its normal position which obstructs access to impression cylinder l3.

Impression cylinders may, if desired, be removed bodily after removal of caps 428 and 44! which retain bearing. housings 421 and 439 in 40 position on frame members 38 and 39. If im pression cylinder l4 needs only to be resurfaced or ground after removable frame members 52! and 522 are hoisted to the position illustrated by Figure 5, a grinding attachment may be placed 45 on the main frame and the impression cylinder may be ground to a perfect surface in position in the press.

Printing press inking system 50 I will now describe the means for the application of ink to the printing surfaces of printing cylinder 22 or other form of printing device employed on printing cylinders l6, I8, l9 and 2!, which means for application of ink is fully dis- 55 closed and claimed in my copending application Serial Number 623,421, filed July 19, 1932.

Ink is supplied continuously to the cylinder by means of a distributor 544. Distributor 544 is provided with end portions 546 of cylindrical 60 form that are journaled in bearings 541, Figure 1'7, secured to frame members 56 and 51, over bosses 548. In this way distributor 544 is swingingly mounted on frames 56 and 51 so that the axis of rotation is disposed relatively close to the 85 surface of printing cylinder 22, and for swinging movement about an axis that parallels the axis of rotation of the cylinder.

Portions 546 of the body of distributor 544 are provided with a central'longitudinal bore 549 7 in communication with discharge ducts 55l in the body of distributor 544.

Ink introduced into bore 549 is ejected uniformly through ducts 55| in the body of distributor 544 onto printing cylinder 22. The distribu- 7 tor also includes a wide trough member 553 lapping the rear of its main body portion. A strip 554 of leather or similar soft and pliable material is secured to member 553 in any suitable manner. A sheet metal apron 556 is secured in lapped relation on the outside of distributor 544. 5 Said apron includes an inclined portion serving to house the discharge ducts 55l of the distributor and to direct the liquid discharged therefrom toward member 553 from which it fiows in the long V-shaped trough defined between printing cylinder 22 forming one side of said trough and elements 553 and 554 forming the other side, the bottom of the V-shaped trough being formed by the soft and pliable strip 554 which bears lightly upon the surface of printing cylinder 22.

The degree of pressure with which said strip bears upon the cylinder may be varied by shifting the ink distributor just described rotatably about the axis of rotation of the ends 541 by means of a Worm wheel 551 secured to one end portion 541 of the distributor. Worm wheel 551 is in engagement with a worm 558 secured to a shaft 559, journaled in ears 56! projecting laterally of the bearing 541. Shaft 559 may be operated by hand wheel 562 to shift the distributor as 'just stated and thus vary the pressure on strip 554 upon the cylinder.

Inkis supplied to bore 549 by means of conduit 563 that is preferably coiled around one end of the distributor a number of times, the last convolution 564 of said coil being suitably connected by fitting 565 putting said conduit in communication with bore 549.

The excess ink is collected by arranging a casing around the cylinder in position to receive the ink. The casing consists of a main portion 561 in the form of a trough closed at its ends by wall 568 and.569 that laps the ends of cylinder 22 when the casing is in printing position. End walls 568 and 569 are notched at 518 to clear shaft 48 to support the cylinder.

Latches 51I cooperate with pins 512 supported on frames 56 and 51 over bosses 513 by brackets 514. When latches ,5" are released from engagement with pins 512 the main portion of the casing may be swung away from the printing cylinder about the portions 541 of the distributor. Said main portion may be readily returned to its operative position and held in proper relation to the cylinder by again engaging the latches with the pins 512 in the manner described in my 00- pending application above referred to. An inclined plate 515 within the main portion 561 of the casing serves to direct ink or cleansing fluid collected thereby toward one corner of the casing where a discharge opening is formed in a tubular extension 516 that is connected to a discharge conduit 511 formed of flexible material so that portion 561 of the casing may be swung 60 upon a pivotal mounting without substantial hindrance from the discharge conduit. A secondary section of the casing may be utilized to further house the inking distributor if desired. Said section 518 may be formed to loosely fit about a part of thecylinder and may include end walls 519 and 58l that form a continuation of end walls 568 and 569 when the secondary section is in operative position. Secondary section 518 is hingedly connected to the main section at 582 permitting 7 it to be readily swung to one side when access is desired to the distributor in a manner that will be obvious. I I

It will be noted that the casing arrangement just described houses the distributor and much 7 

